Azeez Al-Shaair was ejected from the Texans’ Week 13 win after his hit on Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence. To no surprise, a suspension could be on the table. 
The NFL is reviewing the play in question, Mark Maske of the Washington Post reports. Al-Shaair made contact with Lawrence’s head while the latter was sliding, and it resulted in him being carted off the field. Lawrence is now in concussion protocol.
Al-Shaair has never been suspended in his career, but the sixth-year linebacker could be in line for supplemental discipline pending the outcome of the league’s review. Houston’s bye week is upcoming, so plenty of time remains for a decision on that front to be made before Al-Shaair would next be in line to suit up. The 27-year-old issued a statement on Monday addressing the matter.
“I’ve always played the game as hard as I could. Never with the intent to harm anyone and anybody that knows me knows that,” Al-Shaair said in part. “My goal is to hit you as hard as I can then I pray you’re still able to get up and play the next play… I genuinely didn’t see [Lawrence] sliding until it was too late. And it all happens in the blink of an eye. To Trevor I genuinely apologize to you for what ended up happening.”
The Texans secured a 23-20 win yesterday, bringing their record to 8-5 on the year. The AFC South leaders have relied heavily on Al-Shaair at the second level of their defense, with the former UDFA starting evert game he has played in to date. Al-Shaair spent last year with the Titans, but during the offseason he inked a three-year, $34MM deal which allowed him to reunite with head coach DeMeco Ryans after their time spent together with the 49ers.
The FAU product has amassed 68 tackles this season, which ranks second on the team. Al-Shaair has also matched his personal best with two sacks in 2024, and losing him for any period would deal a blow to Houston’s defense. That unit could be shorthanded depending on how the NFL proceeds.
It does all happen in the blink of eye, faster than most of us can imagine, but almost everyone in the league still manages to not lay hits like that.
Well on QBs at least. WRs are a different story.
Personally defenseless receiver doesn’t get called enough in the NFL. Happens all the time in some way shape or form.
Receiver goes up to catch a ball in end zone and gets hit coming down with it from someone trying to break up the catch.
Receiver is clearly being tackled but still takes a shot in the back as he’s going to the ground.
Receiver is heading out of bounds or being tackled heading out of bounds still gets hit by another defender at times.
“Defenseless receiver” is for crossing routes. No one wants to see a WR become untouchable once he jumps for a ball. That would be lunacy. This is still football.
It’s a fine line. A very fine line. But he crossed it. I don’t think he’s a dirty player, but it was a dirty play.
I’m not buying his statement at all. He wanted to send a message and “live rent free” in Lawrence’s head.
Even his teammate (I forget who) made a similarly boneheaded statement that the hit would’ve been legal a few years ago.
Football has always been a contact sport; no argument there. But its best players played with ferocity without using that passion as an excuse for complete abandon and disregard for a fellow competitor’s health & safety … that’s always been the calling car of the historically notorious players
Great company bud
Needs to be fined and suspended no question. Went in head up and forearm out. Saw a still shot of Lawrence looking at him eyes wide knowing what was coming but no way to avoid it. Another apology written by lawyers to try and excuse the actions of a guy who did something dirty but needs to try and look good.